Claire Hunter, owner of Braecrest Farm, is a Breeder, Trainer, and Equine Behavior Specialist, based just outside of Barrie, in Oro Medonte, Ontario. Her breeding program focuses on creating excellent minded, athletic, sound, beautiful Hunter and Jumper prospects.  She manages a herd of her own broodmares, as well as providing broodmare management services for clients. From assistance with conception, delivery, raising the youngsters, to starting under saddle, Claire provides the complete breeding and training experience.  

Claire has been specializing in foundation training and development of foals to 5+ year olds for over 20 years.  She started Braecrest Stables at her first farm in Loretto in 2002, realizing the need for quality services in Ontario for bridging the gap between breeders and the show ring.  With a natural gift for managing and communicating with some of the most difficult, misunderstood horses, her training services became high in demand.  Claire’s very complete holistic approach and understanding, considering all aspects of health and wellness, allows her to support and advocate for every horse that comes into her life to the highest standard.   Included with services of foundation training, Claire also shows young horses on the line, and has many memorable accomplishments including winning a ‘Devon Blue’ with the very first horse she ever bred, to training and showing West Star, the ‘Double Cup’ winner of both the Governor General Cup and the Lieutenant Governor’s cup at the 2016 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Claire claimed her second Governor General Cup win at the 100th RAWF last year, with Couture EE.   

Braecrest was moved to Oro Medonte in 2013 to expand the breeding program on a new 100 acre farm. Claire carefully developed the facility from the ground up, providing a peaceful, safe home and premium breeding and training facility for the horses that come through her programs. She believes in providing the best foundation possible for horses so they are mannerly and confident and connect with people. This goes a long way to ensuring they will be treated with kindness throughout their life.

Aside from her passion and dedication to the horses and Braecrest, Claire enjoys hiking with her Border Terriers, and loves to get out on the water in her kayak. Claire is also a published writer with a chapter in Nanette Levin’s book ‘Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners’. She also collaborated on the article “So You Want to Breed a Horse” in the January 2017 English Rider publication.  Recently, Claire was a guest on the podcast ‘Hitting Your Stride’ with Tracey Mitchell.  Claire also has a keen eye and passion for equine and canine photography, and enjoys sharing how she sees the world and all the magic it brings.